STEP-BY-STEP “PLAY DEAD” CLASS
A Silly Stunt That Always Gets Laughs
We will teach your dog to fall down and play dead on command. It’s a funny and surprising move that will have your friends chuckling and asking for more. Throw a finger gun into the act, and your audience will be howling. I recommend you have confidence in your down-stay command before trying this trick.
Tricks go beyond pleasing your audience. They are a great way for you to interact and bond with your dog. Instead of just walking, you are challenging each other and experiencing setbacks and triumphs. This makes for happier dogs and owners.
“Play-dead” Training for Good Dogs
Put your dog in a down position and kneel facing her side. If she is leaning to one side you want to be on the opposite side, i.e. she should be leaning away from you, if possible.
Take your hands and gently push on her shoulder blade and hip toward the side she is leaning. Say calmly, “Dead dog.”
As she rolls over and relaxes say, “Dead dog, stay,” and gently pet her.
Number of Repetitions Each Day: Three to five
How Many Days to Train the Average Dog: Seven
No special equipment is necessary.
Make sure you are pushing her gently and try to make her relax. If she resists, don’t keep pushing because she will push back and get up. Instead wait a second and calmly try again to gently coax her over, pushing on her shoulder.
If this doesn’t work, she might be more comfortable rolling in the other direction so reach over the dog, put your hands on her opposite side and try to roll her towards you.
Pull her gently and pet her calmly.
When she rolls over say, “Dead dog, stay.”
Tip: Remember which side your dog favors and keep working on your dog in that direction.
Give her the stay signal. You’ll want her to stay on her side for at least ten seconds. You should already have taught a five-minute down-stay so this shouldn’t be difficult for her.
Now give her praise by scratching under her chin and rubbing her belly. Try to get her flat onto her back while you praise her. This will make the roll-over training easier (see page 130).
